Ladakh bids tearful farewell to 4 persons killed in last week’s protests

Kargil, Sep 29: Ladakh was draped in grief on Monday as the final rites of two people including an ex service man were performed in Leh amid the heightened security arrangements and restricted participation of the people. Last rites of Tsewang Tharchin and Rinchen Dadulwho who died in firing during the violent protests in Leh on September 24 were performed on Monday while the last rites of two others including of 25-year-old Stanzin Namgail and 24-year-old Jigmet Dorjee’s took place on Sunday.

The administration has made massive security arrangements and restricted the participation of people in the last rites of these four people. Only family members, acquaintances and members of Apex Body were allowed to attend the last rites.

Stanzin Namgyal (24), who died in the Leh protests was a budding cricketer. A left-handed opening batsman, Stanzin played for the Tip Top Sports and Culture Welfare Society. His last rites took place at NDS stadium where he used to play cricket. At Stanzin’s home, women mourned as others arrived to offer their condolences. The 24-year-old Stanzin worked in a travel and tourism firm. He has left behind two younger brothers and his parents.

Back at the Devachan cremation ground, situated high up in the mountains, some 20 monks, followed by barely 35 relatives, arrived in buses. Soon, they started chanting and praying for 25-year-old Jigmet Dorjay, who was pursuing his diploma in engineering. Meanwhile, the locals expressed disappointment for not being able to pay last respect to these four people. “ We wanted to pay our respect to out heroes who gave life for Ladakh but the curfew imposed didn’t allow us but they will always be in our thoughts and prayers” a local resident said. Co Chairman Leh Apex body Chering Dorjey said that these four who sacrifice their lives are martyrs for us and our heroes.